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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal System Test Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** San Antonio, TX, United States (Remote available) - **Salary:** $94,200.0 - $141,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Testing (Software), Microsoft Windows, Agile Methodology, Antivirus Softwares, Bash Shell, VoIP, Configuration Management, Cyber Security, Computer Programming, Computer Networks, Linux, Distributed Systems, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), Hardware Design, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Web Servers, Internet Protocol, IPv4, Interoperability, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), OSI Models, Python (Programming Language), Network Protocols, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Windows PowerShell, Ansible, System Testing, Test Data, Test Execution Engine, Virtual Local Area Networks, Data Logging, Network Routers, Scripting, Computer Networking Systems, Firewalls (Computer Science), Juniper, Fortinet, Communication Devices, Open Network Automation Platform, Cisco, Plan of Action and Milestones, Vmware - **Published:** August 24, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/DE0AB22F07314C2FBF7F8ED332D33F38/job/ ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in STEM from an accredited institution and 5 years of related professional/military experience in engineering; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience; or a Ph.D. in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related experience. * US Citizenship is required * An active US Government Top Secret security clearance and SCI eligibility * Ability to design and execute end-to-end test scenarios covering performance, failover, segmentation, policy enforcement, logging, and incident response * Knowledge of RFM implementation, security controls, and producing Security Assessment Reports (SAR) and POA&M inputs Preferred Qualifications: * Hands-on experience with Linux, Windows, VMware, OSI Model, Network traffic collection and analysis, enterprise network architecture, communication equipment and technologies, routers, mail and web servers, Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems, firewalls, anti-virus tools, and network traffic generation. * Extensive experience with safety-critical real-time testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation, and high-reliability network protocols. * Hands-on experience with at least one major routing/switching vendor (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc.) and one security vendor (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point, etc.). * Demonstrated experience implementing testing procedures and troubleshooting routed and switched IP networks (e.g., IPv4, OSPF, VLANs, VPNs, firewalls) in mission-critical or real-time environments, including testing of Microsoft and Linux networked systems and verifying foundational cybersecurity practices (e.g., hardening, secure configuration, access control). * Extensive experience with Software Test automation, programming or scripting skill set, configuration management validation, Infrastructure-as-Code for network automation (e.g., Ansible, Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar tools), and drift detection. * Experience leading end-to-end network testing and validation, including performance, resiliency, and failover testing in complex, distributed environments including voice and real-time services over IP (e.g., VoIP, SIP trunking, QoS, etc.) in converged voice/data networks. * Familiarity with FIPS 140-2/3 concepts and cryptographic validation approaches. * Strong written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional cyber, systems, and test teams to capture requirements, document designs, and brief options and trade-offs to stakeholders. * DoD 8570 IAT Level III certification (e.g., CISSP) or equivalent. We understand that candidates may not possess every preferred skill. If you meet all of the basic qualifications, have a solid background in many of the preferred qualifications, and are enthusiastic about our mission, we encourage you to apply. ## Description Help architect and build a launch execution network, building and sustaining high-availability launch and missile test networks that span classified and unclassified enclaves. As a test engineer you will perform functional testing at the system, interoperability, and integration levels across various systems and networks under the direction of a Senior Test Engineer. This role is on-site full-time in San Antonio, TX and requires an active TS and SCI eligibility. * Design and execute end-to-end test scenarios covering performance, failover, segmentation, policy enforcement, logging, and incident response * Prepare Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) plans, test cases, and reports in accordance with established test methodologies and procedures. * Participate in all phases of software and hardware development, including requirements development, risk assessments, and acceptance criteria development. * Coordinate with customers, test engineers, and range engineers to ensure the test infrastructure meets test objectives and data collection requirements. * Compile and analyze test results to determine conformity of the product or capability with the requirements. * Document change requests and deficiencies for the product or capability based on test data analysis. * Communicate and collaborate actively throughout the development of a testable capability or product. * Serve as a technology subject matter expert and provide advice to customers. * Actively participate in Agile team planning and test execution. ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [IP Authentication: A Tale of Performance Pitfalls and Challenges in Prod](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1413-ip-authentication-a-tale-of-performance-pitfalls-and-challenges-in-prod) - [Getting under the skin: The Social Engineering techniques](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/38-getting-under-the-skin-the-social-engineering-techniques) - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Computer Vision from the Edge to the Cloud done easy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/263-computer-vision-from-the-edge-to-the-cloud-done-easy) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [Quick guide: How to write a Software Developer CV](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/37-quick-guide-how-to-write-a-software-developer-cv) - [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer)